So, one ladies' spot for MWO is still undecided. I guess it goes to Asada. Her presence should have a significant impact on the TV rating. Besides that there are not many realistic candidates left.

Kim is shut out from any IMG events. Kwan is too expensive and not so popular in Japan. Cohen ... could be an option. But the organizer has spent too much money already and I don't think they need another expensive skater to sell tickets.

Both rosters look wonderful! The medal winners open, with Shizuka, Kurt, Ilia, and Alexei, is simply mouthwatering--better than chocolate! I hope that if it's available to see on video on YouTube or on any site, we'll be told here on GS.

There are a bunch of ladies from Georgia who work in my office building. I'll have to tell them that Gedevanishvili is featured. I hope her streak of excellence continues and improves this year. Wouldn't it be great if she got a world medal?

I don't think that IS the reason. SLC is three weeks before JO. Agnes Zawadzki seems to be invited to JO insted of Gold. Besides JO is not a serious competition requiring serious preparations. It gives prize money of at least $10'000 plus the gala stipend. That's too attractive to decline if you're not a millionaire. Maybe, Gold is planning Finlandia trophy or something.

Not to mention that Agnes is also competing at SLC. I'm trying to think if the initial JO invite was before GP assignments. Skate Canada is later that month, so maybe she's trying to pace herself. (Though there's plenty of time between JO and SC).

So, one ladies' spot for MWO is still undecided. I guess it goes to Asada. Her presence should have a significant impact on the TV rating. Besides that there are not many realistic candidates left.

Kim is shut out from any IMG events. Kwan is too expensive and not so popular in Japan. Cohen ... could be an option. But the organizer has spent too much money already and I don't think they need another expensive skater to sell tickets.

Sorry, but the JO is not comfirmed by Plushy. Yana -his wife-was saying that if Mishin doesn't want to go to Japan also Zhenya won't go, though Zhenya would like to participate in JO.

Plushy's interview in Italy:

Q: In what competitions you want to participate in the near future?
- Evgeni: After the shows in Italy, there will be the Japan Open and a smaller competition in Sochi. I'll have to decide with my team what is more appropriate for me - some more important competition, or the smaller one in Sochi

By the way, JO's organizer is already selling ticket using his name. So, who knows?